Cast your mind back to 2006, a time when James Blunt songs topped the record charts, low-rise jeans were still a thing and Prince William had a full head of hair.
The man now known as the Duke of Cambridge had just graduated from the St Andrews University, where he would meet his wife-to-be Kate Middleton, and was about to embark on a career in the military.
This was a simpler time, before William’s relationship with his brother Prince Harry would become strained by his romance with Meghan Markle, before Prince Louis spawned a thousand memes and before Kate would become a bona fide royal style icon.
And might we be so bold as to also suggest that these glorious moments in the early noughties were some of Prince William’s most handsome, ever.
Despite the now 40-year-old well and truly settling into his role as the future King of England and relishing life as a doting father of three, it would be fair to say that when Wills was in his late teens and early 20s, he could truly turn heads – and not just because of his royal status.
When William first enrolled at St Andrews, the UK college saw a huge increase in enrolments, particularly from women, who ambitiously hoped to meet the young Prince while at university.
And taking a look back at photos of Wills at that time, it’s not hard to see why.
Keep on scrolling to let us take you back in time to revisit Prince William’s most handsome earlier moments.
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William, pictured in 2001, arriving for his first day at St Andrew’s University in Scotland. Now we can see why there was a queue to get in the door …
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After spending a gap year abroad following his high school graduation, William jumped straight back into royal life. He’s pictured here in 2001 wearing a particularly sharp double-breasted suit at his great-grandmother’s 101st birthday celebrations at Clarence House in London.
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Chucking the camera a sly grin and a knowing eye, just before heading off to university.
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At age 19, William was a star on the polo field.
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Deep in focus during a charity polo match in 2002.
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After graduation, William began a career in the military and began formally working as a senior member of the royal family. He’s pictured here visiting a homeless shelter in 2006.
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William cracked a sly smile as his grandmother Queen Elizabeth greeted troops at a military parade in 2006.
Young Peter Phillips & Prince William chatting at Queen’s bday service
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Pictured a few years into their courtship, Kate and her sister Pippa Middleton share a laugh with Wills at an Eton Old Boys soccer match in 2006.
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The Prince placed a gentle hand on his girlfriend’s shoulder.
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A young Prince Harry and Prince William cheer for performers during a charity concert celebrating their late mother Princess Diana in 2007.
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Flashing that trademark grin for the cameras.
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Kate accompanied William to his RAF wings ceremony in 2008.
The Prince once again proving he never met a polo uniform he didn’t like. He’s pictured here in 2009.
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In 2010, the couple were all smiles (with Wills looking particularly handsome in this three-piece suit) as they arrived at their friend Harry Meade’s wedding to Rosie Bradford.
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The pair would announce their engagement just a year later.
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And of course, the big day finally came. The happy couple, looking as radiant as ever (how fresh-faced does Wills look?!) during their official engagement photocall in 2011.
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NeverForget.
